Franklin trustees weigh eliminating overdue fines; staff asked to gather data for June meeting

The Franklin Public Library Board of Trustees discussed whether to eliminate overdue fines at its May 19 meeting, with trustees asking staff to gather circulation and revenue data and place a formal fine-free item on the June agenda.

Board members and staff said neighboring and peer libraries that went fine-free reported higher circulation and few material-return problems, but the board also flagged budget and administrative questions that would require city review.

Jennifer (Staff member) told trustees that several libraries that have gone fine-free saw circulation increase and relatively few negative effects. She said Tulsa reported a circulation bump after going fine-free and that other examples — including Dubuque and Waterloo — had positive experiences. “I personally get rid of fines,” Jennifer said,…